On Jeremiah 29:11

[KingsGambit]

After our pastor used it in the sermon this morning, my wife and I are having a debate about Jeremiah 29:11 (you all know the verse) and whether it is broadly applicable to Christians today.

My position is that it was a specific promise to Jews in captivity in Babylon and it is inappropriate to claim it as a promise for all Christians today. It might be usable to demonstrate the general character of God (here is one defense of that position ), but even then, I would prefer to use other verses that state that more clearly and generally.

For example, the entire book of Obadiah is a warning to Jews that they are about to be invaded by Edom. I haven't seen anybody take that verse as applicable to what will happen to them today, but I believe the Jeremiah passage is no different as it's a prophecy of one group to people about something specific that is going to happen.

[Catholicity]

The Article KG uses here closely defines what my position on the verse is. I fully recognize that the Jewish people in Babylon were promised a restoration to their homeland, likewise Christians who are in suffering or some other exile (for which there are many) are promised restoration through Christ Jesus on this earth, and final Salvation in heaven. I liken the promises in Jeremiah 29 to the Jews as a foreshadow to the promises to us in Christ and I don't think there is anything wrong with someone seeing this scripture as a reminder to our hope in Christ Jesus. That's where the debate is.

[Sparko]

I believe it was a specific message to a specific people at a specific time.

But it does indeed show that God should be trusted and that he cares for his people (which includes us)